REASI: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Reasi, under the aegis of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies Jammu (SKUAST-J), organised a five day training programme on natural farming here today at its campus. A number of Krishi Sakhis of the district participated in the programme organized under the dynamic stewardship of Vice Chancellor Prof. B.N. Tripathi and able guidance of Director Extension, Prof. Amrish Vaid of SKUAST-J.
The objective of the programme was to train and educate the Krishi Sakhis about various practices of natural farming. Chief Agriculture Officer Harbans Singh inaugurated the programme. He said that natural farming is the need of the hour as it maintains soil health, human health and biodiversity.
Earlier, Chief Scientist and Head of KVK Dr. Banarsi Lal welcomed participants and briefed the advantages and prospects of natural farming. He explained the concept of natural farming and guided participants on the preparation and uses of Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, Neemastra, Agniastra, Brahmatra etc. He highlighted the seed treatment using Beejamrit. He added that natural farming is based on the principles of biodiversity, soil regeneration and water conservation.
District Agriculture Officer Naresh Kumar Sharma explained the four pillars of natural farming and demonstrated the preparation of Jeevamrit and Beejamrit. He explained the practices of mulching, Acchadana (moisture) and various other biocontrol agents required for natural farming.
Agriculture Extension Officer Thuroo Pankaj Kumar Sharma said that natural farming is agro-ecology based farming which integrates crops, trees, livestock and functional biodiversity. Agriculture Extension Officer, Bhabber Sunil Kumar discussed the importance of farm fields as a source of organic matter and the usage of indigenous seed and bioinoculants as the catalyst required for natural farming.
Nodal Officer JKRLM Jugal Kishore Sharma discussed the market linkage of natural farming products and stressed on adopting cluster based approach for natural farming. An exhibition was also organised for the participants to showcase their products.
